A pioneering exhibition of photographs taken by disadvantaged children in South Africa is going on display.

Brighton-based actor and producer David Westhead organised the project to give eight teenagers from the townships of Johannesburg professional training with photographer John Cole.

Their work will now be exhibited at a Brighton gallery before becoming part of the backdrop to the opening concert for the 2012 Olympics at London’s Alexandra Palace.

The project, championed by Nelson Mandela’s grandson Kweku, has helped the youngsters involved get their pictures published in Vice and Marie-Claire magazines and commissioned for photo shoots for the United Nations, communications giant Vodacom and South African Parliament.

Since then they have been asked to take photos at the Harry Potter premier, and have been asked to photograph celebrities including Professor Green, Alan Rickman, Richard E Grant, Emily Watson, Tamzin Outhwaite, Tamsin Greig, Gina McKee and Bill Nighy.

Mr Westhead said: “We hoped a couple of the students might make a few quid taking wedding photos and the like but the fact they are now working for the United Nations, the government, and taking portraits of some of the world’s best-known actors shows what can be achieved by talented youngsters with a determination to have their voices heard.”

Wembley to Soweto will be at the Alan Phillips Gallery, in Montefiore Road, Brighton, from September 3 to October 2.